Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

Pre-draft: Entering the 2003 NHL Draft, Denis Ezhov (also spelled Yezhov) was the fifth ranked Russian, and 25th ranked European skater. When he was sitting there at the 114th position in Round 4, the Buffalo Sabres were delighted to snatch up the steady defender. A product of the Lada Togliatti program, Ezhov has been a mainstay on the Russian National Team for his age group since his teens. The 2002-03 year saw him spend a majority of time with CSK VVS of the Upper League after starting out with Lada’s top farm club, Lada2. Ezhov returned to CSK VVS to start the 2003-04 campaign, spending most of the year there. He was loaned to Metallurg Novokuznet of the Super League during the season where he had trouble cracking the regular lineup, garnering one assist in 18 regular season and playoff contests. He appeared in six games as a member of Team Russia at the 2003 World Junior Championships.

2007-08: Ezhov appeared in 57 games with Traktor (RSL), recording 13 points (4+9) and 64 PIM.

Talent Analysis

He is a smart, consistent stay-at-home defender with good speed. Due to his solid build, Ezhov is strong on the puck, and he uses his strength and positioning to make room to operate in the defensive zone. Although he is not flashy, he plays within his abilities well, and is an effective defenseman at the levels he has competed.